Microelectronic Engineering MS

Program overview

The objective of the master of science degree in microelectronic engineering is to provide an opportunity for students to perform graduate-level research as they prepare for entry into either the semiconductor industry or a doctoral program. The degree requires strong preparation in the area of microelectronics and requires a thesis.

Program outcomes

The program has a number of outcomes for its students:

Understand the fundamental scientific principles governing solid-state devices and their incorporation into modern integrated circuits.

Understand the relevance of a process or device, either proposed or existing, to current manufacturing practices.

Develop in-depth knowledge in existing or emerging areas of the field of microelectronics, such as device engineering, circuit design, lithography, materials and processes, and yield and manufacturing.

Apply microelectronic processing techniques to the creation/investigation of new process/device structures.

Program prerequisites include a bachelor of science degree in engineering (such as electrical or microelectronic engineering), including an introductory course in device physics. Students who do not have these prerequisites can take courses during their first semester of study and still complete the MS degree in two years. Prerequisite courses do not count toward the required graduate courses.

Curriculum

The program consists of nine core courses, two graduate electives, and a thesis. The curriculum has been designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering. Students who have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering will develop a custom course of study with their graduate adviser.

Thesis

A thesis is normally undertaken once the student has completed all course requirements. Planning for the thesis, however, should begin as early as possible. Generally, full-time students should complete their degree requirements, including thesis defense, within two years (four academic semesters and one summer term).

Microelectronic engineering, MS degree, typical course sequence

Course

Sem. Cr. Hrs.

First Year

MCEE-601

Microelectronic Fabrication

3

MCEE-605

Lithographic Materials and Processes

3

MCEE-603

Thin Films

3

MCEE-795

Microelectronics Research Methods

1

MCEE-732

Microelectronic Man.

3

MCEE-602

VLS Process Modeling

3

Graduate Elective*

3

MCEE-795

Microelectronics Research Methods

1

Second Year

MCEE-704

Physical Modeling of Semiconductor Devices

3

Graduate Elective*

3

MCEE-790

MS Thesis

6

MCEE-795

Microelectronics Research Methods

1

Total Semester Credit Hours

33

* With adviser approval.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in microelectronic engineering, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in engineering or a related field,

Submit two letters of reference from individuals well qualified to judge the candidate's ability for graduate study, and

Complete a graduate application.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Candidates applying with a bachelor's degree in fields outside of electrical and microelectronic engineering may be considered for admission; however, bridge courses may be required to ensure the student is adequately prepared for graduate study.

Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only

Effective fall 2013, RIT converted its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.

Program overview

The objective of the master of science program in microelectronic engineering is to provide an opportunity for students to perform graduate-level research as they prepare for entry into the semiconductor industry or a doctoral program. The program requires strong preparation in the area of microelectronics and requires a thesis.

Program outcomes

The program has a number of outcomes for its students:

Understand the fundamental scientific principles governing solid-state devices and their incorporation into modern integrated circuits.

Understand the relevance of a process or device, either proposed or existing, to current manufacturing practices.

Develop in-depth knowledge in existing or emerging areas of the field of microelectronics, such as device engineering, circuit design, lithography, materials and processes, and yield and manufacturing.

Apply microelectronic processing techniques to the creation/investigation of new process/device structures.

The prerequisites include a bachelor of science degree in engineering (such as electrical or microelectronic engineering), including an introductory course in device physics. Students who do not have these prerequisites can take courses during their first quarter of study and still complete the MS program in two years. Prerequisite courses do not count toward the graduate courses required for the MS degree.

Curriculum

The program consists of eight graduate courses (700-level or higher), including seven core courses and one elective course for students with a BS degree in a discipline other than microelectronic engineering. Five core courses and three elective courses are required for students with a BS in microelectronic engineering from RIT. In addition, all students are required to take a variable-credit (1 or 0 quarter credit hour) seminar/research course each quarter they are enrolled in the program. Up to 4 quarter credit hours will be allowed toward the required 36 quarter credit hours. A 9 quarter credit hour thesis, which includes an oral defense, is required of students. The total number of credits needed for the MS in microelectronic engineering is 45 quarter credit hours.

* A full-time equivalency form must be completed for each quarter of the academic year for which the form is requested.

† For those students who do not have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering from RIT. Those students who do have an undergraduate degree in microelectronic engineering from RIT will develop a custom course of study with their graduate adviser, including 0305-704, 705, and 712.

‡ This course's quarter credit hours are not counted toward the 48 required of the program.

§ A maximum of 4 quarter credit hours are available for Seminar/Research (0305-801).

Thesis

A thesis is required and normally is undertaken once the student has completed all course requirements. Planning for the thesis, however, should begin as early as possible. Generally, full-time students should complete their degree requirements, including thesis defense, within two years (six academic quarters and one summer quarter) from the date of entry.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in microelectronic engineering, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in engineering or a related field,

Submit two letters of reference from individuals well qualified to judge the candidate's ability for graduate study, and

Complete a graduate application.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Candidates applying with a bachelor's degree in non-electrical or non-microelectronic engineering fields may be considered for admission; however, they may be required to take additional bridge courses to ensure they are adequately prepared for graduate study.